"The Ballad Of Judas Priest" Documentary Set For Berlinale World Premiere
"The Ballad Of Judas Priest," a new documentary focused on the English heavy metal band JUDAS PRIEST, will hold its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival, scheduled from February 12-22.
Documentary Content
A preview clip from the film featured PRIEST singer Rob Halford discussing the inspiration behind the band's 1980 song "Breaking The Law."
Halford stated that the song is a "revolution song" reflecting the social conflict and frustrations experienced by the British working class during Margaret Thatcher's tenure.
The film is co-directed by documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn and Tom Morello of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE in his directorial debut. It examines JUDAS PRIEST's impact on music and culture, featuring popular songs such as "Breaking The Law" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."
Sam Dunn expressed enthusiasm for the documentary's premiere at Berlinale, particularly for German metal fans.
Band's Legacy and Achievements
Originating from Birmingham, U.K., JUDAS PRIEST is recognized as a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. The band has sold over 50 million records and released 19 studio albums.
- In 2022, JUDAS PRIEST was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
- With their 2024 album "Invincible Shield," the band became the first heavy metal act to release studio albums spanning 50 years. The album received a Grammy nomination for "Best Metal Performance."
Statements from Creators
JUDAS PRIEST stated that the documentary will provide an "uncensored" look into their lives.
Morello and Dunn commented that the film aims to illustrate how JUDAS PRIEST defined metal's sound and aesthetic while also fostering inclusivity within the genre over five decades. They acknowledged the band's provision of intimate access for the film.
Production Details
The documentary is a Banger Films production. Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn served as producers.
Executive producers include Tom Morello, Rick Krim, Sheila Stepanek, and Jayne Andrews. Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener, and Abby Davis are executive producers for Sony Music Vision, with Sylvia Rhone as executive producer for Epic Records. Sony Music Vision is responsible for the film's presentation and distribution.
Band Lineup Information
The current touring lineup for JUDAS PRIEST consists of singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, and drummer Scott Travis.
Guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease over 15 years ago and stopped touring in early 2018. Andy Sneap, who produced "Firepower" and "Invincible Shield," replaced Tipton for touring activities.
Album Chart Performance
Released in March 2024, JUDAS PRIEST's album "Invincible Shield" reached No. 2 on the U.K. chart. This position is higher than their previous U.K. chart peak, which was No. 4 for 1980's "British Steel." The 2018 album "Firepower" reached No. 5.
"Invincible Shield" marks the band's fifth Top 10 album in the U.K., following "British Steel," "Firepower," 2014's "Redeemer Of Souls" (No. 6), and the 1979 live album "Unleashed In The East" (No. 10).
Globally, "Invincible Shield" achieved No. 1 status in Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland. It also reached No. 5 in France, No. 8 in Italy, and No. 16 in Australia.